Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98021

ZIP code 98021 includes 10 public schools serving grades PK–12 in the Northshore School District, with five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools serving approximately 5,358 students. Overall, the area has several highly ranked schools, though performance varies considerably. Among elementary schools, Canyon Creek Elementary is the strongest all-around performer, ranking in the top 3% statewide and reaching 79.44% proficiency in ELA, 82.49% in math, and 81.7% in science. Lockwood Elementary also performs well, while Frank Love Elementary stands out for improving rankings and gains in all three subjects. Crystal Springs Elementary has the lowest current ELA and math results in the group, while Shelton View Elementary combines strong ELA performance with weaker math and science results.

For middle school, Skyview Middle School is the clear leader, ranking in the top 6% statewide and outperforming Canyon Park Middle School in ELA, math, and science. The largest difference is in math, where Skyview reports 66.5% proficiency compared with 52.77% at Canyon Park. Among high schools, Innovation Lab High School has the strongest ranking and reports an 89% graduation rate, along with especially strong prior-year ELA and science results. However, some current results are suppressed, meaning they are unknown rather than zero. Secondary Academy for Success reports a much lower graduation rate and higher dropout rate, while Northshore Online Reengagement Program serves only 12 students and has limited current data.

The best overall choices based on available academic results are Canyon Creek, Skyview, and Innovation Lab. Parents comparing schools should also consider grade level, program mission, enrollment size, and recent direction of performance. Small or specialized schools can show large year-to-year changes, and their graduation or test results are not directly comparable with those of conventional schools. Student-teacher ratios and per-student spending also vary widely but do not consistently predict achievement. The strongest concerns for closer review are Canyon Park’s math results, Crystal Springs’ ELA and math performance, Shelton View’s recent science decline, and Secondary Academy’s graduation, dropout, and ELA outcomes.